METHODS, MEASUREMENTS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Rodent specimens were recovered from the Golliher B zone using the collection and washing methods described for previous field seasons of the Meade Basin Rodent Project (e.g., Martin et al. 2002, 2003). Approximately one and one-half tons of matrix were washed to extract the rodent remains in 2004 and 2005.

Dental measurements were made with an ocular micrometer and binocular microscope, calibrated with an AO 2.0 mm slide. Measurements are greatest occlusal lengths and widths taken only on adult molars. Uppercase letters indicate upper dentition; lower case, lower dentition. Left and right are indicated by L and R, respectively. T = a triangle on an arvicolid molar. Arvicolid dental terminology follows van der Meulen (1973), Rabeder (1981) and Martin (1987). Five- and six-triangle m1 morphotypes (5T, 6T, respectively) of Microtus pennsylvanicus were scored as in Martin and Prince (1989; figures 1, 2); an m1 was recorded as a 6-T form if no distinct band of reparative dentin connected T6 to the anteroconid, even if the external enamel bands from buccal reentrant angle 4 (BRA4) and lingual reentrant angle 4 (LRA4) were not touching.

Specimens are catalogued in the Fort Hays Sternberg Museum (FHSM). Other abbreviations appearing in the text are as follows: CM = Carnegie Museum of Natural History; UT = McClung Museum, University of Tennessee. The material from Yarbrough Cave, Georgia, collected while the senior author was teaching at Berry College (BC), has been donated to the Florida State Museum and will eventually bear FSM numbers. Average calendar year B.P. ages were generated from ¹⁴C years B.P. using the CalPal calibration program at www.calpal-online.de/index.html.